Overview

This bill aims to improve safety and safeguarding in the taxi and private hire vehicle industries by creating a national database of licensing decisions and improving information sharing between licensing authorities. It focuses on individuals with a history of concerning behaviour, enhancing the ability to prevent unsuitable drivers from operating.

Description

The bill establishes a national "licensing information database" to record licensing decisions related to taxi and private hire drivers. This database will store information about individuals whose applications have been refused, suspended, or revoked due to safeguarding or road safety concerns. "Relevant information" includes convictions or allegations of sexual offences, harassment, violence, discrimination, road safety risks, and other behaviour deemed unsuitable for a driver's license. The bill mandates that licensing authorities search this database before making licensing decisions and share relevant information with each other. This includes reporting concerns about drivers operating outside their licensing area.

Key Features:

• Creates a national database for recording licensing decisions.
• Defines "relevant information" encompassing various offences and concerning behaviours.
• Requires licensing authorities to search the database and share information.
• Establishes a process for reporting concerns about drivers operating outside their licensed area.
• Allows the Secretary of State to issue guidance to licensing authorities.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify government spending figures. However, costs will be associated with establishing and maintaining the national database, potentially impacting the Department for Transport's budget. Further costs may arise from implementing the new information-sharing processes among licensing authorities.

Groups Affected

• Taxi and Private Hire Drivers: Those with past offences or concerning behaviour may find it more difficult to obtain or renew licenses.
• Licensing Authorities: Increased administrative burdens related to database use and information sharing.
• Passengers: Potentially increased safety due to improved driver vetting.
• The Police and other relevant authorities: Improved ability to share information and prevent unsuitable individuals from driving.

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